Abstract
Immunosuppressive drugs lead to an enhanced risk for infection. The impact of these drugs on the immune system can be broad (eg, corticosteroids) or targeted (eg, rituximab). Infections can have serious consequences, particularly if there is a delay in diagnosis. It is hoped that a knowledge of the type of immune defects that are induced by these drugs and the specific infections that have been reported will guide clinicians in the appropriate use of prophylactic regimens and diagnostic considerations in the event of pneumonia.
MeSH terms
-
Aspergillosis / chemically induced
-
Communicable Diseases / chemically induced*
-
Cyclosporine / adverse effects
-
Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
-
Humans
-
Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
-
Lung Diseases / chemically induced*
-
Methotrexate / adverse effects
-
Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / chemically induced
-
Purine Nucleosides / adverse effects
-
Tacrolimus / adverse effects
-
Tuberculosis / chemically induced
-
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors
Substances
-
Glucocorticoids
-
Immunosuppressive Agents
-
Purine Nucleosides
-
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
-
Cyclosporine
-
Tacrolimus
-
Methotrexate